Chapter 6 Eatings & Beatings

The journey was drawing closer and the fellowship was getting nervous. The usual questions were running through their heads. Were they strong enough? Would they all survive? Would the ladies be a burden? And in the hobbits (and ladies case) What would we eat?

The ladies had tried several different foods that were not native to a typical American girl's diet, well at least not Leslie's. Regina had found new favorites among the Elvish fare – especially some of the dried fruits. Leslie, never being much of a fruit and veggie eater, stuck to many of the starchy foods – leaving out much of the flavors.

They spent a lot of spare time in the kitchen, it was comforting and the people were almost always jovial. They shared some of their chocolate and other goodies with their newfound friends.

The met may people in the kitchen – It seems some things never change (even in alternate dimensions), the kitchen is still the heart of the home. The hobbits spent much of their time there as well. If someone needed to find either girl – they need only look in the kitchen – in the corner – at the table. That is where Regina had her first real encounter with "The Blonde One" as Leslie jokingly referred to Glorfindel.

Regina was carrying her newest tower of books to the table in the corner when Glorfindel came in carrying a young elf, who was clutching his eye and whimpering. He didn't even glance at her as he pushed some things over on the counter and placed the young elf upon it. She dropped her books carefully on a chair and rushed to the young one.

"Elrond?" He finally addressed her. She shook her heard indicating that he was not in residence and he sighed. She finally got the child to take his hand away from his eye and saw that he was black and blue and that his eyebrow had been split, she patted his arm and gave him a warm smile. He would not understand her words but her body language would help.

Regina looked up at the tall elf and patted his arm as well. She walked over to the bowl of fruit and removed some grapes then walked over to the water pump and filled a bowl with the cold stream fed water. She placed the grapes inside to soak and as she returned to the boy she grabbed a few clean dish towels. She handed the bowl to Glorfindel assuming he would remember what to do with them – then turned and went to her room for her pack.

When she returned she was carrying the first aid case; Glorfindel, she was happy to note, had indeed known what to do. He was holding a few that were still on the vine up to the child's eye. She took one of the dried towels, dipped it in the water bowl and cleaned around the boy's cut gently. She opened the first aid case and removed the antiseptic and instant bandage. She placed a small dallop of the antiseptic on and let it dry then she carefully sealed the cut with the instant bandage (kind of like super glue). Hopefully he would never even scar.

She then took another dry towel removed the rest of the grapes from the water bowl and wrapped them inside. She had the child lie back on the counter with the make shift icepack. She took off her sweater and made a pillow for the child. He had calmed considerably and she smiled down at him. She pushed his hair back and gently motioned for him to close both eyes.

She turned to find Glorfindel averting his eyes. Confused for a moment she looked down – she was wearing a tank top. Nothing wrong with that – he had seen her in one before.

Okay.

What did she do now?

She approached him and he finally looked up at her. Did he just look relieved? Not exactly an ego boost. Well, guess that answers that question. She had liked him upon first meeting him – he took everything she and her sister did in stride, barely batting an eyelash. But apparently not interested in anything more that the amusement that she and her sister supplied. Well, such is life.

In halting elvish she told him to make sure the boy didn't get the bandage too wet or pull it. He looked slightly confused but nodded anyway. She figured she was just using the wrong conjugation or something – But she actually said something like, "Make sure your male heir does not shower his eyes or pull them apart."

"Diola lle" (Thank you), his voice was low as he took the towels from her hands and began cleaning up.

She wanted to say something but decided against it – what could she say anyway?

She picked the books up from the chair and placed them on the tabletop. When Glorfindel approached she looked up to see that he was scanning the books she had commandeered.

In Elvish she said, "learning" and "written better" then gave him a rueful smile. He laughed and for the first time she saw his smile. Holy, rusted metal, Batman! Talk about a 100watt smile.

He motioned her to stay and ducked out the door returning with a knap sack. He produced a chalkboard and chalk – perfect! The rest of the day was spent writing notes and asking hushed questions. The boy it turned out was one of his students – who had gotten into a brawl with a bigger student.

Many days following were spent in much the same way – quietly in Glorfindel's company. Not that she was complaining. Too bad he wasn't interested.

The day before they the start of the journey, they each had asked the kitchen to prepare some of their favorite foods to be bought with them, for easy storage in their packs. They were assured that it would be ready by their departure.

Next they prepared their packs and other necessities. Broaching the topic of "female needs" was a lot of fun with Gandalf and Elrond. Apparently they had never taken that into consideration. They were quickly supplied with herbal pouches to halt their cycles for the coming year – as well as instructions. It was almost worth it – just to see Gandalf's reaction.

Early the morning of their departure a few of the kitchen staff came to see them off. They had two neatly wrapped packages for the ladies (I use that term VERY loosely). What they were given (by the entirely too happy kitchen staff) was a sort of trail mix, some wrapped pastries, dried meats (tasted like jerky) and herbs (presumably for tea). Regina and Leslie thanked the kitchen staff profusely and as they walked away one of the dishwashers (beautiful – as usual) approached Leslie, gave her a small pouch and kissed her hand before walking away. Regina rolled her eyes. Then noticed El (both of them) glaring at the dishwashers back.

"What is that?"

"No id-"

"Everyone ready?" Gandalf's address to the gathered crowd effectively cut off Regina's question. The fellowship said their goodbyes to the majority - but were joined by a small contingency of elves that escorted them to the border.

When the trees began to thin and it became clear they were to part ways, Glorfindel detached himself from the group and approached Regina. In clipped Elvish asked that she take care of herself and to return safely.

He glanced off to the side and she followed his line of sight – right to Leslie. Leslie smiled over El1's shoulder, while El2 waited (im)patiently for his hug. She knew something was coming. He was probably going to ask for her to put a good word in for him. Damn it.

Then to her surprise he said, in very practiced ENGLISH, "You should come and see my etchings."